Nora Liotta of Haiku is enjoying life while competing in the World Surf League’s Challenger Series. Courtesy photo

Unlike traditional sports, surfing exists entirely at the mercy of nature. No two waves are ever the same, conditions can shift in an instant and no break is ever static.

For professional surfer Nora Liotta of Haiku, she can return to the same spot day after day, only to be met with completely different conditions — swell sizes, tide shifts, wind directions — each demanding quick adaptation. The only real choice is to embrace the moment and respond to whatever the ocean sends her way.

Each time Liotta enters the water, she tries to embrace something new. Her love and appreciation for the sport drive her to embrace every unique condition, making each day an opportunity to feel whole.

“It’s not just about physical performance; it’s about being in harmony with the ocean and learning to adapt to the ever-changing rhythm,” Liotta said. “It challenges me while also being the most rewarding and fulfilling part of my life.”

Beginning to surf at age 10, with the influence of both of her parents, Liotta shared how huge of an impact surfing has had on her life. Competing in the World Surf League’s Challenger Series in 2024, she was able to travel around the world doing what she loves, learning, adapting and growing in gratitude because of her passion.

“Last year I travelled to five different countries and each one was so unique and beautiful,” Liotta said. “The most memorable part for me was the people, getting to meet new people and experience different cultures everywhere I went — definitely the best year ever.”

While Saquarema, Brazil, stands out as one of her favorite places to compete — thanks to the warmth and support of the local community — Liotta always circles back to where it all began. Recognized as one of the most iconic places for surfing in the world, Liotta said Hawaiʻi laid the foundation for her connection to the ocean.

Learning to ride the waves, understand the currents and build confidence in Hawaiian waters is truly a priceless experience. However, when surfing elsewhere, it can be challenging having to adjust to places with a very different feel and energy.

“Each spot is different,” Liotta said. “It’s all about adapting and trying your hardest to learn how the wave works differently. Most waves are quite a bit different from the ones we have here in Hawai’i. We have mainly reef breaks and a lot of power. It can be a challenge to go to comps that are at small beach breaks, but that’s what we train for.”

Every surf spot offers unique conditions, pushing surfers to adapt and refine their skills in ways that make them better, while also testing their versatility in unpredictable ways. Liotta embodies this mindset, as she not only plays hard but works hard to continually elevate her performance.

“Each place and competition I go to I gain experience. The best way to get better at competing is to compete, so each new place I go to is a learning opportunity,” Liotta said. “I feel so grateful to have been able to see so many different places in the world at only 20 years old. It takes a lot of dedication, as well as the most important thing which is genuine love for surfing, borderline obsession.”

As Liotta progresses in her surfing career, each wave she rides is not just a test of skill, but a reminder of how far she’s come and where she still wants to go.

“My goal is to make sure that I’m constantly working towards improving and moving forward, even if it’s just 1%, whether it be mental or physically,” she said. “And of course, being grateful for every moment and opportunity I get to live my dream. I just want to be the best version of myself.”

From local lineups to championship podiums, Liotta rides with intention while staying grounded in the present where each wave is an opportunity and embracing what comes next.